seraphim
Ohio
Senior Member
Joined: 02/03/2008
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It's mostly a matter of how well maintained the engine has been. There are items that are going to need replacing with time, but as long as the internals are fine it's no big deal. Take it to a mechanic and have it pressure tested and examined. Does the radiator hold pressure? If you put your hand in the exhaust does it come away damp? (If it does walk away from it). Tires worn evenly? Does the engine compartment look like it's been cared for? Hoses and belts look OK? Take a flashlight and look for a buildup of green coloring in the back of the radiator - indicates a leak. Does the engine idle smoothly and accelerate smoothly? Have all the filters checked. Check the age of the battery. Turn on the AC while the engine's running. Does the electric fan kick in? It should.
If the alternator and water pump don't look new, I personally replace them. Change the belts while you're at it and keep the old ones as spares. Better to spend the money before hand than on the road.
After your purchase keep an eye on the temperature gauge for a while.
After 30 -50 K components are going to start needing replaced. Doesn't mean the engines bad, just normal wear and tear. Plan for it and replace anything that's close to it's limit prior to hitting the road. In the long run, it would cheaper and safer to have it all done at once: cheaper, because a lot of labor costs involve taking things apart to get to the components, and you only want to pay that cost once.
Or, you can wait til a component fails and hope you're not far from home. *grin*
Good luck.
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